James S. Hare, 58, of Red Hook

James S. Hare, 58, of Red Hook, N.Y., passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., following a courageous battle.

Born on Feb. 20, 1960, in Batavia, N.Y., he was the son of Stewart Hare of Elba, N.Y., and the late Jean (Gillard) Hare. Jim graduated with his Associate’s Degree in Aerospace Technology from Farmingdale State College.

Jim married Mary Hegarty on Nov. 18, 1989, in Red Hook, N.Y. Mary survives at home.

Jim worked as a groundskeeper at Bard College in Annandale, N.Y. He also was an announcer, active supporter, volunteer, and advocate for the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, allowing him to stay close to his lifelong passion of antique airplanes.

Jim had many talents and many hobbies. He loved reading and always had a book nearby. Lunchtime was spent reading every day. He spent many cold winter afternoons, underneath a blanket with a book in hand. Jim also was a wizard at crosswords and jumbles. The daily crossword was a favorite pastime, and he was a master at Friday Jumbles without ever using a pen. Jim was crazy about nature. He always took time to watch the rain, and he often drove to an open field to appreciate a big thunderstorm. The beauty of a bird never was lost on him. Jim diligently tended to his flowers, and he was so proud of the new vegetable garden planted this spring. Jim loved all things fire. He always wondered at fireworks, and many nights, Jim could be found in the backyard with his famous “fire camps.” Jim also was a great puppeteer. He was especially fond of his favorite puppet, Purdy.

Jim was a lover of music. Live shows were his thing, and he won more tickets from the radio than he ever purchased, leading to his common “Mind if I go?” question to Mary. Jim always had his discman with him on his nightly walks, usually listening to blues and rock. He also was a bass player with the local band, The Remnants.

Jim was a parishioner of St. Christopher’s Church in Red Hook. He assisted with the children’s choir for many years and was the renowned “Basket Bingo” caller. He also was an avid supporter of all Red Hook athletics and often would announce Red Hook football games.

In addition to his wife and father, he is survived by his children, Catherine, Dennis, Erin, and Kerry Hare, all of Red Hook; his siblings, Tom Hare of Batavia, N.Y., Andrew (Dawn) Hare of Elba, N.Y., and Amy (Marty) Stucko of Elba, N.Y.; his

in-laws, Kathleen (Russ) Mohr of Danbury, Conn., Daniel (Rachel) Hegarty of Saugerties, N.Y., Kevin Hegarty of Red Hook, N.Y., Tim Hegarty of Red Hook, N.Y., Patrick (Laura) Hegarty of Latham, N.Y., Bobby (Theresa) Hegarty of Maui, Hawaii; and an aunt, Katherine Kiernan of Red Hook, N.Y.; along with many nieces and nephews, countless extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Friends may call at the Burnett & White Funeral Homes on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at St. Christopher’s Church, Red Hook, N.Y. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s memory to TeamNora, P.O. Box 667, Red Hook, N.Y. 12571, or made payable to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (memo: The Jim Hare Memorial Fund), P.O. Box 229, Rhinebeck, N.Y. 12572.

Arrangements are under the direction of Burnett & White Funeral Homes 7461 S. Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y.

For directions or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.BurnettWhite.com.